Former Essendon coach James Hird has expressed his disbelief that Harley Reid was not suspended for an incident involving Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak. The incident transpired during the third quarter of West Coast’s match against the Power, where Reid apparently tripped Boak by extending his foot to make contact with the veteran’s ankle. Although Boak received a free kick for the infringement, Reid was only fined $10,000, which was reduced to $6,250 following an early plea.
This incident marks Reid’s third tripping offence, explaining the increased penalty. Despite this, Hird believes the punishment was inadequate, arguing that the action should have been classified as a kick rather than merely a trip. “It wasn’t just a trip, was it, that’s a kick,” Hird stated on Nine’s Footy Classified. He questioned the current standards of the game, asserting that players should face suspensions for kicking, suggesting Reid should have received a ban of three to four weeks for his actions.
The sentiment was echoed by former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, who was similarly perplexed by the decision not to impose a suspension. McGuire remarked, “That’s four weeks. You can’t kick people in football,” referencing a historical incident where Corey McKernan lost a Brownlow Medal for a lesser infraction involving an ankle tap. “Have I lost my mind? Who changed the rules?” he added, conveying frustration over the perceived leniency.
Despite the tripping offence, Reid had a notable game, making 26 disposals and scoring a goal. He remains eligible to play for West Coast in their upcoming round 19 match against Richmond. The incident has sparked considerable debate regarding player conduct and the application of penalties within the AFL, highlighting ongoing concerns about what constitutes acceptable behaviour on the field.